The new public library in Ballinasloe has been officially opened by County Cathaoirleach Peter Roche.
The building which has been in operation since last November was converted from the old Mercy Convent and Church which was bought by Galway county council almost a decade ago.
County councillor for Ballinasloe, Tim Broderick, described the new library as a breath of fresh air for town. “It’s bringing resources and people into the town to avail of the facilities that are housed within it,” said councillor Broderick.
Public funding for the project came from Ballinasloe Town council, Galway County council and a grant of €200,000 was obtained from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
The library comes equipped with high speed fibre broadband on nine public PCs, Wi-Fi and self-service RFID machines. The ‘Surfbox’ printing solution is also available which enables members to print from their home or mobile devices and collect printouts at the library using a unique code.
The Church Gallery, which is another feature of the structure, is fitted with state-of-the-art audio visual system which inculdes a HD projector with screen and a PA system.
There are also offices, community meeting rooms, and the Europe Direct Centre available for use at the library.
